Exhibitions Coordinator & Curator (Independent Contractor, 25–30 Hours/Week)

Position Summary

The Society of Illustrators seeks an experienced Exhibitions Coordinator & Curator to join our team as an Independent Contractor, overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of exhibitions at the Museum of Illustration. Working closely with the Executive Director and Society staff, the contractor will manage all aspects of exhibition development, installation, and deinstallation while collaborating with artists, collectors, lenders, and partner organizations. 

This position is ideal for an organized, detail-oriented arts professional with experience in exhibition management, curatorial research, collections handling, and project coordination.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the exhibition program of one of the country's leading illustration museums during a period of growth and momentum, with the potential to transition into a full-time salaried position over time. 

Responsibilities
Exhibition Planning & Coordination

• Coordinate all phases of exhibition production from initial planning through installation and deinstallation.
• Develop exhibition schedules and production timelines.
• Coordinate artwork loans with artists, collectors, galleries, museums, and private lenders.
• Maintain exhibition checklists, object records, and installation documentation.
• Oversee shipping, receiving, condition reporting, packing, and storage of artwork in close collaboration with the Art Handler. 
• Coordinate framing, matting, conservation, and fabrication needs as required.
• Oversee installation and deinstallation logistics with preparators, installers, and vendors.

Curatorial Responsibilities

• Assist in developing exhibition concepts and curatorial narratives.
• Conduct research on artists, collections, and exhibition themes.
• Coordinate with the Graphic Designer and Program Manager of Competitions and Festivals to prepare exhibition texts, labels, object lists, and didactic materials.
• Coordinate image rights and permissions for exhibition materials and publications.
• Collaborate with guest curators, artists, and institutional partners.

Project Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for exhibiting artists and lending institutions.
• Track exhibition budgets and monitor project expenses.
• Coordinate vendor relationships and contractor schedules.
• Ensure exhibitions remain on schedule and within budget.
• Maintain accurate exhibition files and institutional records.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director and staff on exhibition planning.
• Communicate with the Communications team to ensure the timely delivery of exhibition information, images, and content for marketing, promotional materials, and press initiatives.
• Support exhibition openings, artist receptions, lectures, and related public programming.
• Assist with fiscal year reporting by providing exhibition data and documentation.

Physical Requirements

This is a hands-on position that requires active participation in the installation, deinstallation, and movement of exhibitions. 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, and perform other physical tasks associated with exhibition installation and deinstallation.
• Willingness to handle and move artwork and exhibition materials using established museum best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Curatorial Practice, or a related field. 
• 3-5 years of experience coordinating and curating museum or gallery exhibitions.
• Strong knowledge of artwork handling, exhibition logistics, and collections management.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple exhibitions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with artists, collectors, and cultural institutions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; familiarity with collections management software is a plus.
• Ability to lift and move artwork and assist during exhibition installations when needed.
• A collaborative team player with a positive attitude and good sense of humor. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of illustration history and contemporary illustration.
• Experience working with nonprofit arts organizations.
• Familiarity with exhibition budgets and grant-funded projects.
• Experience coordinating traveling exhibitions and institutional loans.

Compensation

This is an independent contractor position requiring approximately 25–30 hours per week. Compensation is $38–46 per hour (approximately $50,000–$60,000 annually, depending on the agreed weekly schedule), based on experience and qualifications.

The position offers flexible scheduling but requires a minimum of three days per week onsite at the Society of Illustrators in New York City. Additional remote work may be completed as appropriate based on exhibition schedules and project needs.

This role is being established as an independent contractor position, with the opportunity to transition into a full-time salaried position with benefits in the future, based on organizational needs and mutual fit.

Occasional evening and weekend availability is required for exhibition openings, installations, deinstallations, and special events.